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McCormack is school Science Teacher of the Year

By
Avery Chick, NLJ Intern

Jody McCormack teaches middle school science at Newcastle Middle School and has for the past 10 years. She has been described by her colleagues as extremely hardworking and passionate about what she does, and carrying that attitude into the classroom for the past decade helps earn statewide recognition in 2022 for yet another NHS grad turned local educator 
McCormack’s efforts have been rewarded as her peers have named her the Wyoming Middle School Science Teacher of the Year, after her colleague and good friend Jennifer Steveson jump-started the process by nominating McCormack in the form of a recommendation letter. 
Steveson mentioned McCormack’s achievements, not only in the classroom but also outside of it. 
“During her time as a science teacher, Jody has accomplished many goals.  … Jody facilitates the Regional Science Bowl, takes her kids on a science
trip to Florida with WorldStrides organization, allows her female students to participate in Women in Science, and has previously organized Men in Science days at NMS as well,” Steveson explained in the nominating letter.
“One thing that sticks out about Mrs. McCormack is how hard she works to create opportunities for students beyond the classroom,” added Tyler Bartlett, McCormack’s principal.
“She is also very willing to give up time outside of class to support students’ interests. She is one of several of our teachers that host a homework help center each day after school for students who need extra support,” Bartlett said. 
McCormack is constantly striving to give her students the opportunity to explore new things and has found a number of ways to create new interests for Newcastle youth. Several of her colleagues have stated that she is a very “hands-on” type of teacher. 
“Jody finds creative ways to meet science and engineering standards while incorporating activities students will find interesting. In her science exploratory class, students have met the engineering standards by designing and creating paper roller coasters which meet specific criteria,” Steveson wrote. 
McCormack always strives to provide activities for her kids that they will find engaging. The lessons also help students make connections with what they are learning in order for them to retain the content they are receiving in the classroom.
McCormack is deeply revered by her fellow staff, and that appreciation is shared by her students. Sam Cunningham, one of McCormack’s students who participates on the Science Bowl team, had many kind things to say about his teacher. 
“She has helped me in so many ways,” Cunningham said. “She is the reason our Science Bowl team made it to nationals, and she even has helped me start to love learning about science.”
McCormack has been described over and over again as having a stunning ability to not only teach content in an effective way, but also to nurture a passion for science within the kids that she teaches. The extra opportunities that McCormack provides to help expose her students to various kinds of science also allows them to form a great bond with her, and provides them with another trusted mentor
“Really, I don’t know that I deserve this distinction,” McCormack said. “I’m honored that a teacher I work with thinks I do and nominated me. I’m blessed to work at Newcastle Middle School.”

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